ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 3 -- The Minnesota State House Republican Caucus issued the following statement by State Representative Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa:

On Monday the Minnesota Department of Commerce released final rates for the 2018 individual insurance market, confirming that Republican-led reforms helped reverse the four straight years of double-digit premium increases and helped to expand health care choices to Minnesota families--particularly in rural areas. According to the Minnesota Department of Commerce, rates would have risen by 20 percent or higher without Republican reforms. The individual market serves Minnesotans who do not receive health insurance through their employer or the government.

Over the past four years, premium rates increased by double digits every year, including nearly 60 percent just one year ago. As a result of the reinsurance program recently approved by the federal government, all current insurers will continue serving the individual market next year. In addition, Republicans successfully pushed to expand health care options and improve access to hospitals and doctors. As part of the reinsurance legislation, providers are now required to offer in-network access to more than one health care provider system in the counties in which they operate.

"Today's rate release is welcome news for thousands of Minnesotans who have been struggling under Obamacare. Minnesotans put their trust in Republicans to help clean up the health care mess, and today's announcement makes clear that we're making good progress lowering costs and improving the access to doctors and hospitals that families deserve."